NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
Please respond to Kasey Netherland
RE: Discussion – Week 9
Main Question Post
Nurses work very closely with patients. This is why they should be involved in the political aspect of healthcare. They know what policies in place need to be reviewed and/or changed. “Thanks to their frontline role, nurses offer a unique, expert perspective on every aspect of the health care system, and have a key voice in ongoing efforts to improve public health” (American Nurses Association, n.d., para. 2). NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
Nurses can be involved in policy review through their place of work. If a current policy at their place of employment is not working, the nurse can make suggestions for change.
Another way nurses can play a role in policy review is through their communities. They can reach out to local government representatives and attend community meetings (Regis College, n.d.). NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
When trying to review policies via community efforts, nurses might face some challenges. These challenges can include negative feedback from the public (Milstead & Short, 2019). To overcome this challenge, nurses must involve the public in every step of the review process (Milstead & Short, 2019). They could hold community meetings and engage with the public. During these meetings, they can allow members of the community to speak and voice their concerns as well as inform them of the current status of the policy review (Milstead & Short, 2019).NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
When trying to make changes to policies in their workplace, nurses can face resistance from other staff members. One approach to handling this issue is by using effective communication. Educating staff members on the benefits of the changes and why the changes are necessary is important. It is also vital to listen to the opinions of the employees and validate their concerns.
One strategy that can be used to make individuals aware of these opportunities for being involved in policy change includes ensuring nursing students are educated in their nursing program about the importance of being involved in policy change and ways they can be involved. Another strategy would be to provide training in the workplace to make employees aware of the ways they can be more involved in policy review and how to express their ideas for change. NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
References
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse’s Guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Health Policy – American Nurses Association (ANA). Retrieved July 16, 2020, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/healt…
Regis College. (n.d.). How Does Nursing Influence Health Care Policy? Retrieved July 16, 2020, from https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/how-does-nurs…
Module 5: Program/Policy Evaluation (Weeks 9-10)
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Program Policy and Evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in program/policy evaluations
- Analyze strategies for overcoming challenges for participating in program/policy evaluations
- Recommend strategies to improve the advocacy and communication of program/policy evaluations
- Describe healthcare program/policy outcomes
- Analyze healthcare program/policy evaluations
- Analyze the role of the nurse advocate in program/policy evaluation NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
| Due By | Assignment |
| Week 9, Days 1–2 | Read/Watch/Listen to the Learning Resources. Compose your initial Discussion post. |
| Week 9, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion post. Begin to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 9, Days 4-5 | Review peer Discussion posts. Compose your peer Discussion responses. Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 9, Day 6 | Post at least two peer Discussion responses on two different days (and not the same day as the initial post). |
| Week 9, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion. |
| Week 10, Days 1-6 | Continue to compose your Assignment. |
| Week 10, Day 7 | Deadline to submit your Assignment. |
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 7, “Health Policy and Social Program Evaluation” (pp. 116–124 only) NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
Document: Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Template (Word document)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Importance of Program Evaluation [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Peter Beilenson: Ethics and advocacy [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation
In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?
Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?
In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
To Prepare: NUR 6050 UMES W 9 Crucial Role Played by Nurses Discussion
- In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
- Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 9
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.
*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 9 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 9
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 9 Discussion